Almost any JANE EYRE retelling gets me excited but an Ethiopian-inspired one made me look not once, not twice, but thrice. Having said that, other than some very basic bones of said original, this deviates a lot from the majority of the story -- and honestly I think it succeeded because of that.

Andromeda is this version's Jane who comes to Thornfield, to Rochester -- Magnus, in this case -- not to be a governess but to exorcise the Manifestations that are haunting the castle, and it's master, from an inherited curse. I don't know that I ever fully understood how she was capable of doing this, it involved goggles and a welding pen (steampunky, almost, I guess) to make amulets that were suited to each element of the curse, and then.. voila. She takes this job, what she learns is an impossible job, to guarantee her patronage and recognition as a debtera aka exorcist. But, much like the original, Magnus is often distracting Andi from her job, longing for attention, lonely and entitled, and fascinated by this person who resists him, speaks truths to his face, and is also fiercely capable.

From then on I won't say which parts are new or true or how it all plays out but honestly other than a few scenes that I think tried too hard to force themselves into the original story.. this was totally captivating. I maybe would've liked to see more build up to their relationship, maybe because I enjoyed their earlier prickly interactions so much and didn't feel as much chemistry after a certain point, but the rest of the story, the world, kept it strong. There was a secondary relationship that I thought was both adorable and also maybe took some focus away from other dynamics I would've liked to be stronger but.. it helped humanize, and soften, a character that definitely needed it. And made some later moments perhaps a little more believable.

Vague vagueries, oooh, spooky.

If you want a somewhat dark, atmospheric, yet also occasionally playful, diverse fantasy, that happens to harken back to a well known classic tale, you should absolutely have this not only on your radar but on your TBR. Considering this is Blackwood's debut, I can't wait to see what she cooks up next.

Looking for a spooky book rec? You’ll want to add 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗗 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗦 by Lauren Blackwood to your list. This book is a dark and eerie retelling of Jane Eyre that releases on October 19, just in time for spooky season. Blackwood’s writing captures the reader’s attention immediately, opening with Andromeda’s arrival at a cursed castle in the Ethiopian desert. As she learns more about the curse she must cleanse, Andromeda is inevitably drawn to Magnus, the castle’s eccentric owner. Their chemistry is instant and so much fun to read! Beyond the romantic banter, this story has much to offer: bleeding walls, ghostly librarians, memorable characters, unique magic, and complicated found families. You don’t have to be a Brontë fan to enjoy this book, though the nods to her story are thrilling to spot. Many thanks to @netgalley and @wednesdaybooks for the privilege of reading this haunting book in advance!

As a ‘Jane Eyre’ retelling alone, I wouldn't be able to rate this very high. Honestly, the only thing taken from the source material is the last name Rochester (which is rarely used). Nothing else alludes to or makes me think of ‘Jane Eyre,’ so I honestly can't see why this is being marketed as a reimagining.

As a story about evil spirits and curses, however, this is pretty good. And I think readers who enjoy a good old-fashion exorcism will feel the same way. While the world-building is pretty non-existent, there is still a very spooky atmosphere surrounding the castle and its inhabitants.

And honestly, the inhabitants are the best part of the book, specifically Magnus. His attitude, snarky humour, and just general obliviousness is outstanding. He is banter personified and the reason I enjoyed this.

Overall, a decent debut. Definitely some areas that could be improved upon as the author grows, but a pretty eerie story that comes out just in time for Halloween!

I have not admit, I do love a good Jane Eyre re-telling. Adding a magical fantasy element to the story was fascinating and I loved it! Magnus was the perfect brooding Mr. Rochester. He was moody and yet needy, and you could tell he struggled with his curse and whether to have anyone around him. I liked the feeling of the curse and the house being physical characters in the story and the manifestations felt ominous, dark and gory. This was such a fun story! I loved it!

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

This book got me into reading fantasy. I kid you not I thought fantasy wasn’t for me but this book completely changed my mind. I was transported while reading this book and it was amazing. I hated some characters (because I was supposed to) and loved other characters so much I wish they were real! The heroine and hero were adorable and this book gave me chills it was so amazing. 5 out of 5 stars easy!

I really enjoyed this book! It’s not something I’d usually read and I’m so so glad I did. I loved the culture, the setting, the characters (Andi & Jember were the best. I didn’t particularly like magnus haha) and the spook factor. The descriptions of the manifestations were so realistic I had goosebumps. I think the pacing needed some work to show the passage of time better but that was my only negative. Highly recommend!

To say that I've been anticipating this book for months is an understatement. Thank you Wednesday Books for the ARC, it was even better than I hoped it would be!

Called an "ethiopian-inspired debut fantasy retelling of Jane Eyre" is what caught my attention, but I think Jane Eyre meets the Exorcist is a bit more accurate, which I was not expecting at all. But this was delightfully creepy and just as consuming. I couldn't get enough.

The cursed rooms were eerie AF. The tension between Magnus and Andromeda was hot AF. Just when I thought it couldn't draw me in even further, it did. I loved the writing, I loved the characters. Magnus was unbearably insufferable in the best way, but damn, I loved Andromeda's snarky, no BS attitude. I'm not sure I've loved a character this much in a while.

I lost a bit of this momentum just before the end, the calm before the storm was a noticeable lull. But the rest of the story had been so well crafted that it was easy to push through in anticipation of the ending. And while things ended much as expected, it was satisfying and fulfilling, wrapping up a genuinely eerie and enjoyable book.

If any of this sounds remotely intriguing, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It was just what I needed to break me out of a reading slump and remind me why I live and breathe words.

I have read so many Jane Eyre adaptations that I feel I know the story. Yes, I have never read Jane Eyre.

But this is the first Jane Erye book that I honestly could not make it past 45%.

The reason is this:

- I quite understand that the role of 'Jane' is someone who is supposed to exorcise a curse/haunting from a house that is also wrecking the Rochester character's life/sanity as well. But how can one understand this supernatural angle if this part is not well described or explained. On top of that, there is some crap world building going on.

- The focus of Jane and Rochester's relationship in this is lackluster and it seems to be going by a paint by numbers of plot points (based off previous adaptations I've read). There is no real chemistry and I don't understand the supernatural angle, so his characterization falters.

Maybe there could have been an interesting retelling in here. I just find that it lacks any sort of coherence and relies too heavily on the original (supposed, since I have read it) text.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books.

So, this is kind of loosely based on Jane Eyre so if you're looking for exact match-ups this is not the book for you.

I loved Andi. The way she faced things wAs right up my alley and the magic system is great.
Cons? I didn't really feel the romance but that didn't stop me from enjoying the luscious writing.

3.5 stars

Andromeda, aka Andi, is the main character of this young adult fantasy/romance novel, and she is a memorable one to be sure! She's brought up in a world of magic by Jember, who is extremely gruff but also a surprisingly tender father figure. When readers meet Andi, she is sporting not only physical scars but emotional ones from both Jember and the overall tough circumstances she faces.

Anyone who has ever read _Jane Eyre_ will immediately catch the references, but I found them odd and distracting. While there is some name matching and a creepy house, I kept looking for MORE of an adaptation. My preference would have been a complete disconnect so that I could more effectively focus on the merits of this group of characters and events.

Like Jane ends up at Rochester's, Andi ends up at Magnus's, but the haunting of this more modern domain is much more exciting. Andi is reckless and a fascinating character as a result. She's here to remove the evil eye and to inexplicably fall for Magnus. This part could only work in a YA romance. The speed with which these two fall for each other can only be hormonally based. I'd have loved to see more development around the early parts of this relationship.

While Andi and Magnus have a quick connection, the relationship between Andi and Jember is so much more fulfilling to witness. Theirs is a complex history and it's one that I think most readers will find relatable in some way. When I think back on this novel in future recommendations to students, especially, it'll be that guardian/child relationship that I highlight the most.

This novel includes cool magic, a strong finish, and some complex characters and relationships. While I would have preferred more consistency in the building of some of those relationships, this is a unique read overall, and it made me very excited for what Blackwood has in store next. I'm already on the lookout!

When Andromeda is denied the chance to make her debtera training official, she accepts a job most other debtera have refused: cleansing Magnus Rochester’s manor of the Evil Eye. If she can succeed, she will have a patronage and can then make her living as a debtera. Within her first night, she realizes this job won’t be easy and why others have refused (or failed) to do the job. A great force of evil is in Magnus’s home, and it won’t let go easily. As she battles the Evil Eye, she realizes that she isn’t just fighting for patronage or even her own survival anymore. She’s also fighting for something she never expected: love.

WITHIN THESE WICKED WALLS is a terrifying and unique reimagining of JANE EYRE. Like Jane Eyre, Andromeda has lived a hard life. She has lived on a survival mentality, due to her early childhood and Jember, the man who raised and mentored her. Even as her problems grow, she continuously perseveres the best she can, doing whatever it takes to keep going. What’s so wonderful about her journey is the arc of her coming to this house of chaotic characters intent on her mission and then slowly finding friendship and love. She never loses sight of her goals, but rather, her goals expand and shift as she makes these heartfelt connections.

Magnus Rochester is more akin to Howl from HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE than the Mr. Rochester of JANE EYRE, in the absolute best way. He’s moody and sensitive, but also dedicated, loyal, and caring (and quite fashionable). While he is far from perfect and is harboring secrets, it isn’t an allegedly mad wife in the attic. As someone who loves JANE EYRE but was never on board with the Jane and Mr. Rochester ship, I was delighted at this version of the romance.

Lauren Blackwood’s WITHIN THESE WICKED WALLS captures the heart of JANE EYRE and gives it a singular, unforgettable spin that will have your heart pounding.

When I heard that this book was about a retelling of Jane Eyre, I immediately wanted to read it right away. It’s one of my most anticipated release read of 2021, so I am so glad to say that this book doesn’t disappoint and it completely has reach my expectations for sure. All of my attention just went straight into this book when I first receive it. This book has everything that I wanted in a Jane Eyre retelling and so much , this author is amazing with the way that she took to old classic story of Jane Eyre that we loved and twisted into something of her own that was filled with a dark, atmosphere, vivid details when it comes to the intricate magic system, world-building, the characters were absolutely amazing, and the romance between Andromeda and Magnus made my heart flutter. I love this book so much!

Solid three stars! A completely unexpected kind of book that has some really great moments. Also some difficult ideas about love and family. There's some backstory that I wish was not left out, while some of the lead characters banter I could've done without especially when it seemed to drag. But the central conceit is unique and the main character was entertaining. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher St. Martins Press, Wednesday Books for this advanced readers copy of Within these Wicked Walls.

It started out really strong and I was interested to learn more about the Evil Eye, Andi’s work as a debtera and amulets. The house and it’s manifestations were interesting, but close to creepy/horror.
The almost insta-love that came so sudden in the other half of the book, took over the story and away from the plot of the evil cursed house and Andi’s story.

4 Stars for the first half of the book. Only 2.5 Stars for the second half. All together I give it 3.5 Stars.

Action packed from the very beginning, and I love it!

I picked Within These Wicked Walls by accident, misplacing it for another ya horror that was coming out this year.
However, I am not sorry because I was in a mood for horror, and horror I got.

I like how the story opened with an action and I was pulled into it so very easily.
I don't know if this book is in ya category as the main character Andri is 19 years old, but to me it definitely read as ya horror.

The setting was little hard for me to understand, and I am honestly considering rereading this whole novel to understand it better, plus I do believe that I would appreciate the story more if I give it another go.
What also confused me was how this read as fantasy but then book classics would be mentioned and at times I had feeling I was reading historical fiction with fantasy/horror elements...

This supposed to be Jane Eyre retelling, and although I can see little similarity in setting (big castle) and ghost who maybe was it's version of captured wife from the Jane Eyre, I can't agree that this is retelling.
I personally saw more similarities with Beauty and the Beast.

I loved characters and the main plot, including all the horror elements and action scenes, but I didn't like the love story.
I didn't feel the chemistry between Andri and Magnus, and it all felt all of a sudden. To be honest, I'd prefer if the story was without it.

All in all, good, fast paced story, perfect choice to read in October.

Creepy YA with a very unique magic system.

Lauren Blackwood has created a harrowing haunted house mystery with this book. The house itself was probably one of my favorite parts, and I loved learning about the magic behind everything.

A perfect read for fans of gothic-style horror, or horror featuring magic, ghosts, and haunted houses.

Ethiopian fantasy loosly "retelling" of Jayne Eyre. A creepy haunted gorey house! The main character is basically a house cleanser for evil. Jst read it!

I prefer not to read e-books, but that is how I get all of my advanced copies. My mark for a great book is if I want to buy the print version for my shelf. I knew I was going to buy this book within reading the first two chapters. An eerie, heart-pounding, and heartfelt story, that keeps you reading well into the night. I could not stop thinking about these characters and what was going to happen to them, and now that I'm finished, I still can't stop thinking about them. This fantasy reimagining of the beloved classic Jane Eyre, brings an intriguing setting, more supernatural elements, and an eccentric love interest.

If you love YA books with a dash of magic, mystery, and romance, then Within These Wicked Walls is for you. I can't wait to see what author Lauren Blackwood will bring us next.

Thank you to Wednesday Boojs for an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review!

Andromeda is a debtera-essentially an exorcist. Kicked out before she could become licensed, she needs a patron to prove herself. And so she chooses the one place every seems to say no to. Set into a gothic-like mansion infested with the Evil Eye, Andromeda must rid the house and its master, Magnus, of it.

I was immediately pulled into this one! The writing was concise and descriptive, and it kept me constantly on my toes! It could be creepy at times, but nothing you will lose sleep over.

I will say, I was not a fan of Magnus as a character. I loved Andromeda (and basically every other character) but did not care for the romance between the two of them or Magnus' strange character traits.

Overallm though, a really great read and perfect for Fall!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for sending me the ARC of “Within These Wicked Walls” by Lauren Blackwood. The most unique retelling of a classic novel that I have ever read. An entrancing novel filled with fast moving visual descriptions and lively characters. Andromeda has learnt to rely on her wit and survival skills only trusting herself. Since she was young, she has been learning the trade of a debtera someone who cleanses homes of the evil eye. After being dismissed by her current mentor, Andromeda is unable to secure future employment without an official licence. Andromeda’s future changes when she is hired to cleanse the castle of the heir of a chocolate empire named Magnus Rochester. He is willing to overlook her lack of credentials after numerous qualified debtera’s quit before cleansing the home. Andromeda takes the job unaware of the horrors and deadly consequences hidden within the walls. At the strike of 10:00 pm freighting manifestations are released throughout the castle unlike anything Andromeda has ever experienced. Magnus an eccentric and handsome recluse is possessed, and Andromeda must decide if death is a price, she is willing to pay for the man she might be falling for. An atmospheric fantasy with a strong narrator is a refreshing take on YA Fantasy. Descriptive, haunting, touching, and filled with surprises this will be a novel I will happily recommend. I personally loved the librarian manifestation and enjoyed the fast-paced action and the detailed descriptions of the amulet design. An excellent read that will be a quick favourite for fantasy readers and romantics.